Lagos confirms arrest of man in viral toddler abuse video - Punch Newspapers
Man filmed beating toddler in viral video. CREDIT: @NigeriaStories | X
The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of abusing a toddler in Ikorodu, saying he is currently in police custody as investigations continue. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said the alleged perpetrator was apprehended on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, a day after the agency was alerted to a viral report of the alleged child abuse. In a statement released on Wednesday, the DSVA said it “immediately activated its response protocol” after receiving the report and successfully established contact with the child’s mother. The agency said the mother disclosed that the matter had already been reported at the Imota Police Station. “Upon contacting officers at the Family Support Unit, the Agency was informed that the survivor’s mother had initially reported the matter to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency,” the statement said.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google “Following the report, the alleged perpetrator was apprehended on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026, and is currently in police custody, as the matter has now been escalated for further investigation,” the agency added. The DSVA also said the child and her mother had been referred to a hospital. “The survivor and her mother have also been referred to the General Hospital for immediate medical attention and further assessment,” the agency said. Viral video: Man steals N1.4m from sick mother to gamble VIDEO: Boy swept away by flood in Enugu rescued after 24 hours NAPTIP hunts man filmed beating toddler in viral video The development followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a man repeatedly flogging a toddler across the head and body with what appeared to be a charger cable. The video triggered widespread outrage and calls for the identification and arrest of the man. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons had earlier said it was working with relevant security agencies to identify, locate and prosecute the person seen in the video. The DSVA said it would continue to monitor the matter and provide the necessary support to the child and her mother. “We appreciate members of the public who brought this matter to our attention,” the agency said. The Lagos State Government also reiterated its “ZERO TOLERANCE” stance for all forms of child abuse and said it remained committed to strengthening safeguarding systems and ensuring that survivors receive the support and protection they need. The agency urged members of the public to report cases of child abuse through the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development or the DSVA. Christabel Ndoeche
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